Anthony Ritchie's "Ritchie: Survivors" is a profound and moving collection of choral and orchestral works, released on March 1, 2019, under the Atoll label. This album showcases Ritchie's exceptional ability to blend poignant melodies with deeply resonant themes, creating a tapestry of sound that is both powerful and intimate.
Featuring the Aquarius Chamber Choir and conducted by Marc Michael de Smet, the album spans 59 minutes and includes 15 tracks, each a testament to Ritchie's compositional prowess. The pieces range from solo vocal works to full choral and orchestral arrangements, demonstrating Ritchie's versatility and depth as a composer.
Highlights include "The Survivor, Op. 186," a stirring opener that sets the tone for the album, and "Song of Hope, Op. 103," which offers a moment of uplifting beauty. The three-part "Salaam, Op. 172" series delves into themes of peace and resilience, while "Widow's Songs, Op. 110" explores themes of loss and remembrance through three evocative movements. The album concludes with "The End," a piece that leaves a lasting impression.
"Ritchie: Survivors" is a testament to Anthony Ritchie's ability to evoke deep emotions and provoke thought through his music. Whether you are a longtime fan of choral works or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
2019 Atoll2019 Atoll
Tracks
The Survivor, Op. 186Anthony Ritchie, Aquarius, Marc Michael de Smet
Song of Hope, Op. 103Anthony Ritchie, Aquarius, Marc Michael de Smet
Ellen's Vigil, Op. 190Anthony Ritchie, Aquarius, Marc Michael de Smet
Salaam, Op. 172: No. 1, Is It True?Anthony Ritchie, Aquarius, Marc Michael de Smet
Salaam, Op. 172: No. 2, Hunger Strike PoemAnthony Ritchie, Aquarius, Marc Michael de Smet
Salaam, Op. 172: No. 3, Ode to the SeaAnthony Ritchie, Aquarius, Marc Michael de Smet
Salaam, Op. 172: No. 4, Even if the PainAnthony Ritchie, Aquarius, Marc Michael de Smet
As Long as Time, Op. 47: No. 1, TimepieceAnthony Ritchie, Aquarius, Marc Michael de Smet
As Long as Time, Op. 47: No. 4, We Could Just DisappearAnthony Ritchie, Aquarius, Marc Michael de Smet
Widow's Songs, Op. 110: No. 1, Over the BackAnthony Ritchie, Aquarius, Marc Michael de Smet
Widow's Songs, Op. 110: No. 2, BreadAnthony Ritchie, Aquarius, Marc Michael de Smet
Widow's Songs, Op. 110: No. 3, FrostAnthony Ritchie, Aquarius, Marc Michael de Smet
This Sea We Cross Over, Op. 148Anthony Ritchie, Aquarius, Marc Michael de Smet
Mountains and Rivers, Op. 154: No. 2, A PrayerAnthony Ritchie, Aquarius, Marc Michael de Smet
Mountains and Rivers, Op. 154: No. 3, The EndAnthony Ritchie, Aquarius, Marc Michael de Smet
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